Page 19 of Waste (Legendary Shifters #4)

“A couple of simple reasons. One, you are not the type of person we wish to serve here. You’re crass, common, and a paltry TV star.

Your ego writes cheques you can’t cash. Don Simmons, who loaned you this chalet, is in breach of his contract and therefore will no longer have access to the resort.

Don can thank you and your vulgar actions for that. ”

Mirry opened her mouth, but Killian continued, “Second, you have completely violated the resort’s privacy agreement.

Those who attend here are assured of their privacy and security.

You, with your nasty, insidious article to the media, in a wicked attempt to get revenge on Mr Martin, stamped all over our policy.

That is another reason Mr Simmons will lose his chalet.

“And finally. I don’t like you. You’re rude, entitled, selfish and, honestly, trailer trash. Your parents may be rich, but you haven’t been taught manners, humility, respect, or common decency,” Killian stated.

“My daddy is going to ruin you!” Mirry hissed.

“Bitch, I could buy your father a thousand times over. Why do you think your family doesn’t have a chalet here?

They can’t afford it. This resort is for the elite,” Killian replied.

“And that doesn’t include you. Escort Miss Moor off my property.

” Security moved on either side of Mirry.

Drew saw the glance she gave them and guessed Mirry was going to be even more difficult.

Shay kept filming, and Drew knew this would soon surface on social media.

Drew wondered if Mirry would dig her own grave and, lo-and-behold, she did!

“I’m Mirry Moor. Nobody throws me out of somewhere,” she snapped.

“Yet, I appear to be doing so,” Killian responded.

“If you want the elite here, why is some second-rate country singer here?”

“One would hardly call the hottest musician in country music second-rate. As I said, you’ve no class and now it appears no taste,” Killian shot back with a sneer.

“Shut up! I’m Mirry Moor. I’m important. My family is too,” Mirry shrieked.

“You keep repeating that. Miss Moor, I’m well aware who you are, and that is a common, attention-seeking, subpar reality star. In my eyes, and those with power, you’re nothing. Now, please leave quietly,” Killian stated.

Mirry was puce with temper, and Drew wondered how often tantrums had got her what she wanted. In Drew’s opinion, she needed a good spanking.

“I’ll sue!” Mirry hissed.

“Your family will be lucky to run a hotdog van by the time I’ve finished with them.

I’m done with this idiotic conversation.

Escort Miss Moor to the gates and send her belongings on, and if she refuses to leave, you have permission to remove her forcefully,” Killian said.

He turned his back on her as Mirry began screaming.

Without another word, Killian strode across the road to where Drew, Charlie, and Shelley watched.

“Enjoy that?” Killian asked with a smirk.

“Yes. However, this should never have happened. I imagine you’ll be sending out the policies to remind everyone,” Drew replied as he rose and they one-armed hugged each other.

“Indeed. Miss Evans, I can only apologise for the actions of my guest. They do not in any way reflect the beliefs or rules of my establishment,” Killian said, turning to Shelley.

“It’s okay. This wasn’t your fault. Mirry took the picture and created a narrative to fit. It seems she’s facing public humiliation,” Shelley responded as she stared at Shay.

“I’ve posted what I filmed. Within the hour, Mirry being carried out of a luxury resort and being called trailer-trash by Killian will be everywhere,” Shay replied.

“Shelley, Charlie, may I introduce my close friends, Shay Smith, who’s a rather famous architect, and Killian Alexander. Killian runs several exclusive resorts,” Drew said. There was pride in his voice. It was clear Drew was proud of what Shay and Killian had achieved.

“It’s nice to meet you. How can you take Mr Simmon’s chalet back?” Charlie asked as he offered his hand. Both Shay and Killian shook it.

“Because only a handful actually own their chalets. I’m very selective about whom I sell property to. Most have a long-term rental arrangement, for which they pay a monthly rent. Mr Simmons is one of those. He will also be barred from my other resorts.” Killian frowned.

“I wish I could say I feel sorry for him, but Mirry is vile,” Shelley said.

Drew was in complete agreement with her. Mirry Moor was one of the nastiest people he’d ever encountered. Nothing was redeemable about her. Karma would come calling sooner or later.

“Do you think the negative publicity will harm your resort? I mean, what Mirry did to Drew? It won’t put folks off coming?” Shelley asked.

Drew noted how worried she was. That was something he liked a lot about Shelley; she always considered the ramifications for others.

“No. The footage that Shay just posted is going to drive home the point that we will not risk people’s safety or privacy.

The press release will also reiterate that while shaming Mirry for her selfish, self-indulgent, and spoiled attitude.

Mirry will be cancelled within a week, and she might learn to be humble,” Killian replied.

“Or maybe not. I don’t think Mirry knows the meaning of the word,” Shay spoke, and Shelley nodded.

“No, I think her education was sorely lacking,” Shelley agreed.

“Which resort would you prefer to move to?” Killian asked, and Shelley and Charlie looked at Drew.

“Fancy some sun?” Drew said with a grin.

“From one extreme to another.” Charlie smirked.

“I only have warm clothes with me,” Shelley interrupted.

“Not a problem. We can shop on the way. The other option is a cruise,” Drew suggested.

“Not so easy to escape on a ship if someone ruins your privacy again,” Shay warned.

“True,” Drew mused. “We’ll keep that back for a last resort. Killian has another eight resorts if this one gets invaded.”

“You own ten resorts?” Shelley gasped.

“Nine and a cruise ship,” Killian corrected.

“Never visit my coffee shop. Jo will sniff you out like a drug dog on a bust,” Shelley muttered.

Drew grinned as Shay frowned, figuring out Shelley’s meaning.

“She’s that bad?” Shay asked.

“That’s a definite yes,” Charlie agreed with Shelley.

“Oh, boy. What is this world coming to?” Shay sighed, and nobody disagreed.

Drew/Ghoul

Drew slipped through the mirror and instantly relaxed as he stood in Mary’s tower. Mary faced him with her resting bitch expression on full display.

“I like her,” Mary stated.

“She’s a nice person,” Drew agreed. He headed to the door, but Mary stopped him.

“Shelley is your mate.”

“I don’t feel a pull, Mary. Shelley’s nice, and I like her a lot. Maybe even care about her a little. But there is no bond,” Drew replied truthfully.

“You wish there were one,” Mary stated astutely.

Drew searched his feelings. “I honestly don’t know. I do and I don’t. The danger never leaves us, and my mate would be as targeted as me. I don’t think Shelley could live with that uncertainty. It is too dark and evil.”

“Drew, I think you’re suppressing the bond unintentionally. Most of us are convinced that she’s your mate.”

“Because she’s not frightened of Ghoul?” “Exactly for that reason. Shelley is one of those rare humans who can see beyond flesh and blood to the person within. You’ve always been a good man, and that never changed. Shelley sees that.”

“I don’t think Shelley could manage our lifestyle. She’d have to leave her family behind, and she’s very close to them,” Drew mused.

Was he stifling the mating bond because of his fears and hesitations? It was possible. Unlike Jase and Vladimir, who’d been totally against mates, Drew was more ambivalent about having one. How he felt about Shelley wasn’t the overwhelming emotion that Vladimir, Jase, and Lanie experienced.

Shelley had a calm personality, one that allowed Drew to relax. He didn’t doubt that Shelley’s emotions ran intensely; he could sense them in her. And she showed Charlie a deep, abiding love even when they were teasing one another.

“Does she have to leave them behind?” Marie interrupted his thoughts.

“Yes. Or we’d bring danger to them, too. There’s no escaping that,” Drew stated emphatically. He wouldn’t be responsible for the Hunters capturing, torturing, and killing Shelley’s family. It was unacceptable. Shelley would end up loathing Drew if she lost her parents and Charlie.

“Refuge,” Mary said succinctly, and Drew gaped at her.

“What?”

“Refuge,” Mary repeated.

“Damn, I never considered that,” Drew drawled slowly.

“Guessed you hadn’t. But Refuge is there. Tisiphone wouldn’t deny them sanctuary if you needed it.”

“No,” Drew replied, as hope blossomed in his chest.

Pandora claimed Hope was the worst of the evils that had been released. Because it allowed people to believe in possibilities and maybes that might never happen. Drew understood Pandora’s reasoning. But he couldn’t stop himself.

Still, Drew didn’t feel the bond. But if it developed, there was a chance they could build a relationship. And then Drew’s mind snapped back to how they mated. Shelley wouldn’t be able to handle the sexual part. Drew’s shoulders slumped, and Mary frowned.

“Drew?” Mary asked, concerned.

“I’ll be with Pandora for a few hours before I need to return. Please alert me if I am needed,” Drew said quietly and then walked away.

Mary’s worried gaze dug into him, but Drew didn’t turn back. He was destined for loneliness. The possibilities Shelley presented wouldn’t come true. Even as his heart hoped differently, his head told him otherwise.